Packaged wood fuel product with enhanced lighting capability

ABSTRACT

A packaged wood fuel product is disclosed which includes a natural fiber fabric bag surrounding a collection of wood fuel. The bag is impregnated with a vegetable oil to encourage ignition and may be provided with a wick extending from the bag to facilitate lighting.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/572,542 filed on May 18, 2004.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to wood fuels, and moreparticularly relates to packaged wood fuels such as manufactured firelogs.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

In my prior U.S. patent application publication numbers 2004/0035046 and2003/0079400, I disclosed a packaged wood fuel product with a natural,plant derived fabric surround as a wrapping for wood fuel. The fabricserves as decorative packaging, but is also combustible without theenvironmental impact of common paper wrappings used for conventionalmanufactured fire logs. We experimented with varieties of burlap basedwrappings as an alternative to paper wrappings for wood fuels, partlybecause they are natural, low cost, burnable fabrics. In addition, theyare decorative, attractive, and ecologically friendly. Other fabrics canbe used as combustible wrappers as well.

While my prior inventions have performed admirably, it would beadvantageous to provide a natural burlap fabric as a wood fuel packagewrapper which is easier to light for the typical consumer. For example,while large wood safety matches and household lighters can be used toeffectively light such packages, smaller flames, such as those derivedfrom typical cardboard matchbook matches are more of a challenge.

As a first step we experimented with the application of wax material tothe outside of the bag as an aid to ignition of the bag. We have focusedon all-natural ingredients such as soy wax but this is illustrative ofthe general range of materials available, and should not be taken asrestrictive. We tried applying wax in various ways to the bag includingallowing the wax to soak into the bag from a mixture of material insidethe bag, and applying wax to seams and corners.

We did not at the time feel that there was enough of an improvement inlighting the bag to include the wax as part of the product invention anddid not release this type of lighting-assistance to the public. However,we have since realized that the application of various natural materialsrelated to oils and waxes could be advantageous in helping the userlight the package. As will be described in further detail herein, wehave determined that a wide variety of oils and esters, and relatedcompounds can be used to aid in the lighting of a wood fuel package suchas we have described and marketed. Vegetable-based compounds can beespecially effective.

The prior art actually contains examples of petrochemical compounds inburlap aiding the lighting of the burlap material. Non-food-grade burlapis treated with petrochemical hydrocarbon compounds well known topractitioners of the art of manufacture of such bags, to control pestsand decay of the fabric. This material lights more easily than thepetrochemical-free food-grade burlap. However, the bag still hasdifficultly lighting and the compounds used in typical manufacture havea characteristic and unpleasant order.

What we sought was to discover the oils or related materials that couldbe added to a burlap or similar wrapper to provide an easier lightingexperience for the user when used as a packaging material for woodfuels, providing a convenient and attractive package. Our preference hasbeen to focus on the use of vegetable-derived compounds because ofenvironmental or marketing issues, but the use of these types ofcompounds should be construed as illustrative of a general method. Indevising the most convenient lighting method for the bag, weadditionally sought structural changes to the bag that would facilitatelighting as well.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a packaged wood fuelproduct is provided which comprises a fabric bag, a collection of woodfuel within the fabric bag, a vegetable oil impregnated into the fabricbag, and a wick extended away from the fabric bag.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a packaged woodfuel product is disclosed which comprises a fabric bag, a collection ofwood fuel within the fabric bag, and a vegetable oil impregnated intothe bag.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method of makinga packaged wood fuel product is disclosed which comprises providing afabric bag, forming a wick in the fabric bag, applying a vegetable oilto the fabric bag, and filling the fabric bag with a collection of woodfuel.

These and other aspects and features of the disclosure will become moreapparent upon reading the following detailed description when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a packaged wood fuel product constructedin accordance with the teachings of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of section 2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment constructed inaccordance with the teachings of the disclosure; and

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of steps which may be taken in a manufacturing apackaged wood fuel product in accordance with the method of the presentdisclosure.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications andalternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments thereof havebeen shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. Itshould be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit thedisclosure to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, theintention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, andequivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure asdefined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Referring now to the figures and with specific reference to FIG. 1, apackaged wood fuel product constructed in accordance with the teachingsof the disclosure is generally referred to by reference numeral 20.While the product 20 is illustrated in the form of a synched or tied bag22 it is to be understood that wood fuel product 20 could be provided inany number of different forms and that bag 22 is simply illustrative ofthe general concept and that it is the components of the wood product,and the method of manufacturing same which are of importance. Forexample, the wood fuel product 20, while not depicted, could also beprovided in the form of a conventional manufactured fire log shape,i.e., brick shaped or, geometrically speaking, parallelepiped in shape,or the like.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the wood fuel product 20 includes theaforementioned bag 22 which surrounds a collection of wood fuel products24 as described in my previous application Ser. No. 10/261,350, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Morespecifically, the bag 22 may include first and second sides 26 and 28which are sewn along side edges 30 and 32 and bottom edge 34 leaving anopen top 36 for loading of wood fuel 24. Once loaded, the open top 36can be closed with a tie or ribbon 38. Other closure mechanisms arecertainly possible including the sewing of the open top 36 shut afterthe loading of the wood fuel 24, but applicants elect to use tie 38 fordecorative and aesthetic purposes.

As stated above, one of the features of the pending application is theability to ignite a fabric wrapped wood fuel product with greater easethan has heretofore been possible. Accordingly, one mechanism that isprovided to facilitate that goal is the provision of a wick 40. In theembodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, wick 40 is provided by extending bottomedge 34 a distance beyond the side edge 30. Such a wick 40 provides arelatively small segment of fabric having a relatively small surfacearea thus enabling the material to be more easily heated to a point ofcombustion even using conventional, small sized, cardboard-based matchsticks. It is important to note that while the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and2 shows the wick 40 extending from the bottom edge 34, the wick 40 couldbe similarly provided by downwardly extending from one of the side edges30 and 32.

In the alternative embodiment of FIG. 3, the wick 40 can be provided byforming a flap in one of the sides 26 and 28. More specifically, it canbe seen that a three sided cut or slit 42 can be machined into one ofthe sides 26 and 28 so as to form a flap 44. In so doing, similar to thewick 40 of FIGS. 1 and 2, the flap 44 also serves as a wick in that arelatively small portion of fabric is presented to the user having arelatively small surface area, thus enabling it to be easily raised to atemperature of combustion using conventional matches or the like. It isalso important to note that both the wick 40 and flap 44 are preferablyprovided about a lower zone 46 of the bag 22 such that when combustionis reached, the flame can originally be positioned predominately belowthe wood fuel 24 of the product 20 thus facilitating overall combustion.

While not visible in the figures, it is also important to note that thebag 22 has been impregnated with a natural or vegetable oil. Thevegetable oil can be any number of different natural type vegetable oilsincluding but not limited to linseed oil, castor oil, sesame seed oil,palm oil, hemp oil, coconut oil, olive oil and corn oil. One examplewould be Ultra-Pure Gold Pressed Castor Oil manufactured by HeritageProducts of Virginia Beach, Va. The oil serves to facilitate lighting aswell in that it has a lower combustion temperature than the fabric bag.The vegetable oil can also be mixed with a fragrance so as to not onlyfacilitate lighting, but also to release favorable aromatics aftercombustion. Such fragrances can be provided in any number of formsincluding, but not limited to, lavender, jasmine, or the like. Anexample fragrance would be BL-039 Indian Jasmine, manufactured by AlN'dee Al Apache Imports of Beverly Hills, Calif.

A developing fuel technology derived from vegetable and animal oils is“bio diesel”, which in small amounts can be an effective aid to packagelighting. Using this enables an even easier lighting experience, whilestill using a non-petrochemical compound. However, a petrochemicalcompound or a mix in various proportions of biodiesel and petro-dieselcan be used if desired.

Oils similar to massage or aromatherapy oils can be used to both improvethe lighting, and provide an enjoyable aromatic experience for the useralso. These oils are scented, using a base oil that is deodorized, andhave added to them a natural or synthetic perfume such as lavender orjasmine. This provides an efficient way to enhance the user's experienceof the product, similar to a how a potpourri is used for decorativesmell. The addition of a perfume, being natural or synthetic, alsoallows us to cover other smells that may be present in a base oil, orthe wrapper. These types of oils can be purchased already scented, or,as in our case, the scent can be added to a separately purchased baseoil.

In order to manufacture the wood fuel product 20 in accordance with theteachings of the disclosure, the fabric bag is first formed as shown ina step 50 of FIG. 4. Such a step can be formed by a vendor such that thebag is preformed, or a section of fabric such as burlap can be cut intoa suitable dimension and then sewn along three sides to form edges 30,32, and 34. In conjunction with step 50, the wick 40 can be concurrentlyformed as shown in step 52. This can be accomplished by cutting atemplate for the bag 22 with a slight extension proximate the bottomedge 34 such that when edges 30, 32, and 34 are sewn, the wick extendsbeyond one of the side edges 30, 32, and 34. Alternatively, a relativelysmall expanse of material can be sewn on the bag 22 after the bag itselfis formed.

Once the bag is formed, the vegetable oil 48 is impregnated into thefabric of the bag 22. This is shown in a step 54. However, precedingstep 54 are steps 56 and 58 which identify the method by which thevegetable oil is prepared. More specifically, a vegetable oil, such asany one of those mentioned above, is first provided in a suitablecontainer as shown in step 56. Fragrance is then added to the oil 48 andmixed as shown in a step 58. The resulting mixture is then applied tothe bag 22. The mixture can be applied in any number of differentmethods including by way of a sprayer, a brush, or by dipping the baginto the mixture. In addition, it is important to note that the entirebag 22 need not be entirely impregnated with the oil and fragrancemixture, but rather such mixture can be limited only to the lower zone46 or in fact only to the wick 40.

Once the oil and fragrance mixture is applied, the bag is allowed to airdry as well as disperse through the fabric of the bag 22. This is shownby a step 60 in FIG. 4. Rather than air drying, the bag could be heatedby way of an oven or kiln to expedite the drying process, but of coursethe oven would need to be kept at a relatively low temperature,certainly less then the combustion point of the bag 22.

Finally, once the bag is dried, it can than be filled with wood productssuch as fire wood, saw dust, twigs, and the like, as shown in Step 62.More specific disclosure with regard to the wood products filling thebag is provided in my aforementioned application, but by way of example,could include sawdust and a binder/accelerant forming an aggregate baseatop which are stacked relatively small pieces of wood or kindling, andthen relatively large pieces of firewood.

In summary, a fabric wrapper for wood fuel, such the all-natural burlapwrapping we have used, can have the drawback of being difficult to lightfor some. While we have used wax coatings on the package as an aid tolighting, we have also discovered that deodorized, or perfumed oilcompounds, oil esters, or biodiesel are exemplary of an additional typeof lighting aid that can be applied to a package, the inventors favoringnatural vegetable oils such as mentioned. In addition, enhancements tothe package such as a fabric wick incorporated into the package design,or sections of wrapper that can be extended, being attached to the bag,or pulled out, being a cut-out area of the bag made to enable pullingout a tab of material, when incorporated with the oil or similarmaterial as an aid to lighting, makes for an even easier userexperience. Additional enhancement is provided by using a perfumeadditive to the lighting aid, as is common in scented oils, to not onlyassist in lighting the package but also to create a pleasing packagearoma.

1. A packaged wood fuel product, comprising: a fabric bag: a collectionof wood fuel within the fabric bag; an oil impregnated into the fabricbag; and a wick extending from the fabric bag.
 2. The packaged wood fuelproduct of claim 1, wherein the fabric bag is manufactured from burlap.3. The packaged wood fuel product of claim 1, wherein the oil is avegetable oil selected from the group of oils comprised of linseed oil,castor oil, sesame oil, palm oil, coconut oil, corn oil, hemp oil, andolive oil.
 4. The packaged wood fuel product of claim 1, wherein thewick is formed from an extension of a seam of the bag.
 5. The packagedwood fuel product of claim 1, wherein the wick is formed from a flap cutout of the fabric bag.
 6. The packaged wood fuel product of claim 1,further including a fragrance added to the oil.
 7. A packaged wood fuelproduct, comprising: a fabric bag; a collection of wood fuel within thefabric bag; and a vegetable oil impregnated into the bag.
 8. Thepackaged wood fuel product of claim 7, wherein the fabric bag ismanufactured from burlap.
 9. The packaged wood fuel product of claim 7,wherein the vegetable oil is selected from the group of natural oilscomprised of linseed oil, castor oil, sesame oil, palm oil, coconut oil,corn oil, hemp oil, and olive oil.
 10. The packaged wood fuel product ofclaim 7, further including a wick extending away from the fabric bag.11. The packaged wood fuel product of claim 10, wherein the wick isformed from an extension of a seam of the bag.
 12. The packaged woodfuel product of claim 10, wherein the wick is formed from a flap cut outof the fabric bag.
 13. The packaged wood fuel product of claim 7,further including a fragrance added to the vegetable oil.
 14. A methodof making a packaged wood fuel product, comprising: providing a fabricbag; forming a wick in the fabric bag; applying an oil to the fabricbag; and filling the fabric bag with a collection of wood fuel.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the forming step is performed by extending aseam of the bag beyond sides of the bag.
 16. The method of claim 14,wherein the forming step is performed by cutting a flap into the fabricbag.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the oil is applied by spraying.18. The method of claim 14, wherein the oil is applied by dipping. 19.The method of claim 14, further including the step of adding a fragranceto the oil.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein the oil is applied onlyto the wick.